Gm Cm Gm
I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy
Gm Cm Gm
I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy

VERSE 1:

Cm Dm Gm
All around in my home town
Cm Dm Gm
They're trying to track me down
Cm Dm Gm
They say they want to bring me in guilty
Cm Dm Gm
For the killing of a deputy
Cm Dm Gm
For the life of a deputy But I say� (play MAIN RIFF)

Gm Cm Gm
I shot the sheriff, but I swear it was in self-defense
Gm Cm Gm
I shot the sheriff, and they say it is a capital offense

VERSE 2:

Cm Dm Gm
Sheriff John Brown always hated me
Cm Dm Gm
For what I don't know
Cm Dm Gm
Every time that I plant a seed
Cm Dm Gm
He said "Kill it before it grows"
Cm Dm Gm
He said "Kill it before it grows" I say!

(play MAIN RIFF)

CHORUS:

Gm Cm Gm
I shot the sheriff, but I swear it was in self-defense
Gm Cm Gm
I shot the sheriff, but I swear it was in self-defense

VERSE 3:

Cm Dm Gm
Freedom came my way one day
Cm Dm Gm
And I started out of town yeah
Cm Dm Gm
All of a sudden I see sheriff John Brown
Cm Dm Gm
Aiming to shoot me down
Cm Dm Gm
So I shot, I shot him down I say!

(play MAIN RIFF)

CHORUS:

Gm Cm Gm
I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy
Gm Cm Gm
I shot the sheriff, but I didn't shoot the deputy

VERSE 4:

Cm Dm Gm
Reflexes got the better of me
Cm Dm Gm
And what is to be must be
Cm Dm Gm
Every day the bucket falls to the well
Cm Dm Gm
But one day the bottom will drop out
Cm Dm Gm
Yes, one day the bottom will drop out But I say

(play MAIN RIFF)

CHORUS:

Gm Cm Gm
I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy, oh no
Gm Cm Gm
I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot no deputy, oh no